Beyond Traditional: Creative Vertical Blinds Alternatives To Consider

Mortgage bills. Utilities. Further furnishing. Does that sound familiar? For any new homeowner, managing expenses is a top priority. Among all the decisions you'll make for your home, window treatments should not be overlooked.

The midday sun can heat your space and spike your air conditioning bill. According to a study, window shades can effectively reduce energy consumption – and what type can usually do the trick? Vertical blinds, which are made up of vertical slats that can be adjusted to control both light and privacy. 

But what else is out there? In this article, we'll explore creative alternatives to vertical blinds, why you should consider them, and how to choose the right one.

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Creative Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

When it comes to window treatments, it's time to think outside the box and delve into creative alternatives to traditional vertical blinds. From stylish curtains to sleek shades, there are plenty of substitute options for vertical blinds to suit your unique taste and enhance your living space. Let's explore the possibilities.

Sliding Panel Track Blinds

Looking for alternatives to vertical blinds for sliding glass doors? Sliding panel track blinds could be just what you need. 

These innovative window treatments feature wide panels that move effortlessly along a track system suited even for patio doors, allowing you to control natural light and privacy with ease. With their clean lines and contemporary look, they can instantly upgrade the aesthetic appeal of any room.

Even better, sliding panel track blinds are also low-maintenance and come in large sizes, making them a practical and stylish alternative to vertical blinds for patio doors and wide windows.

Cellular Shades (Vertical)

Owing to their excellent performances in various properties – including heat, noise, and vibration reduction – honeycomb materials have found their way into different industries. In window treatments, this design comes in the form of vertical cellular shades. 

These shades, unlike their horizontal counterparts, have a vertical orientation of the honeycomb cells. This unique design not only adds a touch of modern elegance but also enhances its energy efficiency, light control, and sound absorption capabilities. With their ability to trap air and provide insulation, vertical cellular shades are an ideal choice for creating a comfortable and energy-efficient living space while reducing outside noise.

Plantation Shutters

When looking for vertical blinds alternatives, you can step back in time and explore the fascinating history of plantation shutters. 

Originating in ancient Greece, these window coverings were originally crafted from marble, as glass was a luxury material. However, as settlers travelled and introduced plantation shutters to new countries, they evolved into the elegant wooden designs we know today. 

Plantation shutters gained popularity, particularly in the US, adorning Southern homes and adding a touch of sophistication and grandeur. With their timeless visual appeal, durability, and ability to increase property value, plantation shutters have become a beloved window treatment option that seamlessly combines history and modern style. 

Sheer Shades

If you're searching for a substitute for blinds that effortlessly combines elegance and functionality, look no further than sheer shades. These innovative shades offer a unique blend of style and practicality. 

With their translucent fabric, they provide a soft and warm ambiance to any space while still allowing you to control the amount of light that enters. So whether you're seeking a cozy atmosphere for a living room or a serene environment in your bedroom, sheer shades create a beautiful balance between light and privacy, adding a touch of sophistication to your home.

Draperies

Those seeking more luxurious or formal vertical blinds alternatives will find draperies are the perfect solution. Available in a wide range of fabric choices, colours, and patterns, draperies allow for endless customization to suit any decor style. These elegant window treatments not only provide privacy and light control but also can become a stunning focal point in the room, adding a touch of sophistication and charm to your space. 

Fabric Vertical Blinds

Unlike their traditional vinyl or PVC counterparts, fabric vertical blinds offer a softer and more sophisticated look to any room. With a wide range of fabric options to choose from, you can easily match these blinds to your existing decor. 

Not only do fabric vertical blinds add a touch of elegance, but they also provide the same functionality, allowing you to control light and privacy. So, when considering what to use instead of vertical blinds, see for yourself how stylish and practical fabric vertical blinds are.

What are Vertical Blinds?

Before asking what is better than vertical blinds, let's take a closer look at what exactly they are. 

Vertical blinds consist of vertical lengths of fabric, known as louvres or slats, that are attached to a sliding track at the top. Operated with a plastic wand or chain, these blinds provide adjustable light and privacy control. 

These louvres are joined together by weights, ensuring even distribution across the track, while a stabilizing chain at the bottom adds stability. Versatile and robust, vertical blinds can complement almost any room in your home. 

Pros and Cons of Vertical Blinds

These blinds simply offer several advantages as a window covering choice. They are easy to use, cost-effective, and incredibly versatile, suitable for a variety of window sizes and shapes. 

However, before buying vertical blinds, take note that over time they can have a dated appearance and could be challenging to clean over time. If you are looking for what to replace vertical blinds with, keep reading to know why you should and what entails that decision.

Why Consider Alternatives to Vertical Blinds?

When it comes to window treatments, many homeowners and designers seek alternatives and ideas to replace vertical blinds for various reasons. 

Some desire a more modern aesthetic that can elevate the overall look of a room, while others may require better light control options or prefer easy maintenance. Additionally, there is an increasing preference for eco-friendly materials that promote sustainability. However, just like any type of blinds for windows, these alternatives have their share of benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

• Increased Light Control: Alternatives to vertical blinds offer enhanced light control, allowing you to adjust and filter natural light according to your preference.
• Design Flexibility: With a wide range of options available, alternative window treatments offer different designs to match various interior styles and aesthetics.
• Enhanced Privacy Control: Vertical blinds alternatives give you more control over privacy, ensuring that your space is shielded from prying eyes.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: Many alternative window coverings are designed to provide better insulation, helping to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer.
• Multiple Material Choices: From natural fabrics to eco-friendly materials and innovative synthetics, alternatives offer a diverse selection of materials to suit your preferences and needs.

Disadvantages of Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

• Costlier than Vertical Blinds: Some alternatives to vertical blinds may come at a higher cost due to the use of premium materials or intricate design features.
• Difficult Installation Process: Certain options may require more complex installation procedures, which may be challenging for those without experience or professional assistance. For instance, while considerably easy, it might be time-consuming for busy people to install or replace sliding door blinds or roller shades for sliding glass doors. 
• Less Durable than Vertical Blinds: While alternatives can offer great functionality and aesthetics, some may not be as durable as traditional vertical blinds.

Common Types of Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

When it comes to finding alternatives to vertical blinds, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are the most common types:

• Roller Shades: These window coverings feature a single roll of fabric that can be easily adjusted to control light and privacy levels, offering a sleek and modern look.
• Roman Shades: Offering a classic and elegant aesthetic, Roman shades are fabric window coverings that fold neatly when raised, providing a soft and luxurious appearance to any room.

Choosing the Right Vertical Blind Alternative for Your Space

Consider the following factors when selecting a vertical blind alternative for your space:

1. Room size: Determine if the alternative will suit the scale of the room.
2. Light requirements: Ensure the alternative provides the desired amount of light control.
3. Privacy needs: Consider if the alternative offers the level of privacy desired.
4. Decor style: Choose an alternative that complements the overall aesthetic of the room.
5. Budget: Take into account the cost of the alternative and determine if it aligns with your budget.
6. Care and maintenance: Through the provider's website or the product's online user manual, check the cleaning and maintenance requirements of the chosen alternative.

These considerations will help you select the right vertical blind alternative that not only meets your functional needs but also enhances the overall look and feel of your space.

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Revamp Your Windows With Factory Direct Blinds

Finding the perfect vertical blinds alternatives can enhance the functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics of your space. As you should consider factors such as light control, privacy, and overall decor style when selecting an option, we're here to offer you more options.

At Factory Direct Blinds, we offer a wide range of customizable blinds to revamp your windows. Even better, whether you need to measure for vertical blinds or need assistance ordering, our expert team is here to provide guidance and support. Contact us today by phone, email, or live chat to get started on transforming your windows with Factory Direct Blinds.

FAQs

What are people replacing vertical blinds with?

People are replacing vertical blinds with alternatives such as sliding panel track blinds, cellular shades, draperies, and sheer shades.

Are vertical blinds obsolete?

Vertical blinds are not necessarily obsolete, but depending on home style and preferences, many people are opting for more modern and stylish alternatives.

How can I make my vertical blinds look better?

To make your vertical blinds look better, consider cleaning them regularly, adding decorative valances or cornices, or upgrading to new materials or designs.

Are vertical blinds in style now?

While personal preferences may vary, vertical blinds are not considered to be in style currently, with many people opting for alternative window treatments that offer a more contemporary look and feel.